Fire And Flit, 2000-2010

While Squires was competing in Kinder, La., a 4-year-old gelding that had remained at her home in Fredonia, Texas, came down with colitis and died. Fire And Flit, who had also stayed in Fredonia, later became ill and died suddenly. A third horse, a 2-year-old, is currently holding his own against the disease.

Affectionately known as “Little Bit,” Fire And Flit was the “old warrior” of Squires’ talented stable. The 11-year-old gelding was by legendary sire Fire Water Flit and out of the blue hen mare My Easter Flame, by Flaming Jet. He was bred by National Finals Rodeo qualifier and longtime family friend Shanna Bush, daughter of legends Wanda and Stanley Bush.

Little Bit ran out more than $100,000 in his career, with more than $90,000 of that total accounted for in Equi-Stat, the statistical division of Cowboy Publishing Group.

“He was the one that got us started in the futurities,” said Brad Squires, who was a fixture at Kenna’s side throughout the ordeal. “She used to rodeo, and that all changed with Little Bit.”

The tough Palomino gelding also won his share of rodeo money, placing at such rodeos as Pecos, Texas; Dodge City, Kan.; and Greeley, Colo. Little Bit also held the arena record in Reliant Stadium until 2008. Savanah (Koenig) Reeves had borrowed him for Rodeo Houston.

“He was a special little guy,” Brad said. “He was part of the family.”